Inspiration & Updates

Ok, so I know I have been away for a bit, but I have a good reason. The Feelin' It imperial pilsner is on its way (update on that thread to follow) and I had to make a trip to St. Louis for a wedding...and some beer.

Let's talk about that one for a second. In St. Louis, there resides a company called Schlafly, which became essentially a true guide in the wonderful world of craft beer. I not only learned about what I liked in beer, but learned about the brewing process, the various styles of beer, and overall the beer culture. For those reasons and many more, I will always hold Schlafly and brewers in general in a very high opinion (unless they make meh beer...mushroom beer, seriously?!).

As for the trip to St. Louis, Coren and I got to explore the Schlafly Tap Room (via a guided tour from a wonderful individual within that company. Cheers to you sir!), the Schlafly Bottleworks, and Urban Chestnut. Now, as far as the overall vibe, I always have liked Bottleworks more because I find it is just chill, but Coren liked the Tap Room for its energy. We both liked the beer at Urban Chestnut, but the service was just terrible; we had roughly 6 people behind the bar, and it took me asking for a second round to get one.

We wrapped things up with the wedding of two dear friends, where I presented them with their gift of a 6 pack of the Flint Hill Scotch Ale, from which I chilled and poured them a bottle and the response was very surprising ("Neither of us like dark beer, but that was super smooth. You have found your calling.").

We left St. Louis with: 6 Yakima Wheat, 6 AIPA, 6 Oatmeal Stout, and 30 Dry-Hopped APA. I am always finding it difficult to pass those as I move to attend to the pilsner, but I'm staying strong for a good day to break them open.

Now, the beer inspiration and updates. As for inspiration, I am kicking around an idea of a smoked hoppy wheat ale, and I think it may have 2 versions (a la the Plowed Porter). The first will be a late harvest wheat ale, with hints of smoke and citrus (Amarillo and Cascade) hops; should come in roughly at 6.5-7.0 ABV and 50-70 IBU. The second will be its big brother, and imperial wheat, where I ramp it all up and aim for 8.0-10.0 ABV (not going to be easy, but who doesn't like a good challenge) and 80-100 IBU. I'm still in the kicking around phase with ingredients, but I know that I am going with smoked barely and 2 row American pale. The wheat malt I am still debating on, mostly on if it should be American or German.

That is about it, but make sure you check out the updates on the pilsner. I am getting close to the end of secondary fermentation and nearing conditioning, so the results will be in shortly.

As always, drink well and be merry. Slainte!